A GOVERNMENT planning inspector has blocked proposals to extend a house which stands within a Drifield Conservation area.
Mr Stuart Elvidge lodged an appeal after the East Riding of Yorkshire Council turned down a planning application to build a two-storey extension following removal of car port and outside toilet at 4 Skerne Road.
But the appeal has been dismissed following a planning inquiry.
A planning inspectors report said the main issue in this case was the impact of the proposal on the appearance and character of the South Driffield Conservation Area.
The proposed two-storey side extension would be added to No 4, one half of a pair of semi-detached, brick-built Victorian houses.
The inspector said: “I acknowledge that care has been taken to provide an extension that would attempt to harmonise with the existing. Through the use of matching materials and the continuation of the hipped-roof treatment this would be largely achieved.
“Furthermore, by continuing the roof and hiding from view within Skerne Road the current rather unfortunate flat-roofed rear addition of modern brickwork, the proposal would to some degree improve the appearance and character of the dwelling when seen in isolation.
“However, the character of this part of the conservation area derives from the rhythm of the three pairs of early semi-detached houses fronting Skerne Road which, as the Council notes, are separated by generous gaps between the pairs. By continuing the frontage of No. 4 and extending to the side of the house with what would be a sizeable addition having a long flank elevation this would serve to visually unbalance this particular pair of dwellings.
The inspector added: “I accept that the proposal would not have any materially detrimental effect on the living conditions of occupiers of the adjacent dwellings. I also acknowledge the appellant’s wish to extend the property for his growing family’s needs although such personal circumstances carry little weight when the impact of the proposal would persist long after such circumstances apply.”
“Having regard to the National Planning Policy Framework, the proposal would result in less than substantial harm to the significance of the designated heritage asset of the conservation area. Nonetheless, for the reasons outlined I do not consider that any public benefits of the scheme outweigh the harmful impact that it would have on the appearance and character of the conservation area. The proposal would conflict with planning policies. “These seek to ensure the protection or enhancement of the appearance and/or character of conservation areas. Accordingly, the proposal is unacceptable and the appeal must fail.”